Italy vs Spain: EURO 2020 Semifinals Preview

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Juan Pablo

Italy have been one of the best teams in the current EUROS and are just 90 minutes away from reaching their second final in the last three editions of the tournament after getting past Belgium in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, Spain are vying for a third final appearance in the current century. Which team will have a shot at playing in the decisive match on Sunday?

The referee for this match will be Felix Byrch, from Germany.

Italy

Italy have not looked as dominant in their last two Euro 2020 games as they looked in the group stage. Granted, the level of opposition has increased considerably and they had to get past one of the best teams in the world in Belgium to secure a berth in the tournament’s final four. However, it would be unfair to not recognize what they have accomplished so far. Italy have scored multiple goals in all but one of their matches and have conceded just two goals across five games — one on extra-time against Austria and a penalty against Belgium. Their defensive prowess has been one of their keys to get the job done, but that’s not all. Their attack deserves lots of praise for what they have accomplished thus far, with names such as Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Domenico Berardi standing out both individually and collectively.

Italy injury report: Leonardo Spinazzola (Achilles) – out

Italy Expected Starting Lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Emerson Palmieri; Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, Marco Verratti; Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne

Spain

If Italy have looked dominant during the EUROS, then Spain could easily be defined as the opposite. La Furia Roja kicked off their campaign with two disappointing draws and have won just once in five matches during the tournament. Their knockout-stages performances have not been much better, either. They needed extra time to get past Croatia in a thrilling 5-3 victory during the Round of 16. Plus, they used penalties to defeat a 10-men Switzerland side in the quarterfinals. Manager Luis Enrique has been heavily criticized due to his squad selection and odd rotations at times. However, Spain have somehow managed to earn a spot in the final four of the tournament. No one saw this coming, not even the most optimistic fans. Especially when analyzing the youth of the squad and, as a result, their lack of experience in international tournaments. Can they pull the upset here and secure a win that would put them in the final once again?

Spain injury report: Pablo Sarabia (undisclosed) – out

Spain Expected Starting Lineup: Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba; Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo